Heat sink for a printed circuit board

ABSTRACT

A heat dissipating circuit board assembly includes a heat sink having a first wall, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and an end wall extending between the first and second walls. The first wall, the second wall, and the end wall collectively define a cavity. The assembly additionally includes a printed circuit board having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The printed circuit board is located within the cavity such that the first wall of the heat sink extends over the first face and the second wall of the heat sink extends over the second face to allow heat to be transferred from the printed circuit board to the heat sink. The heat sink is configured to interface with a connector socket when the circuit board is connected to the connector socket for stabilizing the printed circuit board.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a heat sink for a printedcircuit board, and a more specifically to a heat sink attachable to amemory module for dissipating heat from the memory module and also forstabilizing the memory module within a connector socket on amotherboard.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many computing systems include a motherboard, e.g., mainboard, maincircuit board, system board, etc., that holds and facilitatescommunication between several critical electrical components included inthe computing system. For instance, the motherboard may include acentral processor, memory modules, interface connectors, i.e.,input/output devices, and other components for general purposes use andapplications.

A common memory module used in computer systems is a dual in-line memorymodule (DIMM) that is natively 64 bits\72 bits and 128 bits\144 bits toenable fast data transfer. A DIMM may include a module that includes oneor several random-access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit boardwith pins (e.g. 288 pins) that connect to a connector socket on thecomputer motherboard. Common standard DIMMs typically have a length ofapproximately 5.5 inches and a height of 1.18 inches and may includeunbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs), fully-buffered DIMMs (FB-DIMMs), registeredDIMMS (RDIMMs), load-reduced DIMMs (LR-DIMMs), and non-volatile DIMMs(NV-DIMMs). Other standard heights for DIMMs may include, but are notlimited to 0.738 inches, 0.900 inches, 1.000 inches, 1.230 inches, and1.500 inches. Unbuffered DIMMs are used regularly in desktop and servercomputers and are configured such that commands may go directly from thememory controller residing in the CPU to the memory module.Fully-buffered DIMMS are commonly employed as the main memory in systemsthat require large capacities, such as servers and workstations.Registered DIMMs may also be referred to as buffered memory and may beused in servers and other applications that may require robustness andstability. RDIMMs may feature an onboard memory registers that areplaced between the memory and the memory controller. The memorycontroller may buffer command, addressing and clock cycling, and maydirect instructions to the dedicated memory registers rather thandirectly accessing the DRAM. Load-reduced DIMMs may use isolation memorybuffer (iMB) technology that buffers the data and address lanes, whichmay reduce the load on the memory controller. The iMB chip may alsobuffer data signals and may isolate electrical loading, including datasignals of the DRAM chips on the DIMM from the memory controller.Non-Volatile DIMMs may refer to a hybrid computer memory that retainsdata during a service outage. NVDIMMs may integrate non-volatile NANDflash memory with dynamic random access memory and dedicated backuppower on a single memory subsystem.

The connector socket on the motherboard may be configured to receive aDIMM, and to that end, may include a channel which receives a portion ofthe DIMM. A corresponding pin connector may be located in the connectorsocket such that placement of the memory module into the connectorsocket creates an electrical connection between the memory module andthe connector socket. When the memory module is received within theconnector socket, a frictional engagement may be created between thememory module and the connector socket. Some connector sockets mayinclude a locking tab which may be moved into engagement with the memorymodule when the memory module is inserted into the connector socket forproviding additional securement between the memory module and theconnector socket.

During operation of the motherboard, there may be several factors whichmay impact operation thereof. One factor may be heat generated by thememory module. If such heat is not dissipated, the buildup of heat mayaffect the operation of the memory module. Furthermore, in someenvironments, such as military environments, the motherboard may besubjected to extreme vibrations or movement. In such environments, thememory module may become disconnected from the connector socket, whichmay compromise the operability of the motherboard or one or moreapplications running thereon.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device which may allow forheat dissipation from the memory module, while also assisting insecuring the memory module to the connector socket. Various aspects ofthe present disclosure address this particular need, as will bediscussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a heatsink for a memory module mountable in a connector socket. The heat sinkmay be configured to extend over the memory module to allow heat to betransferred from the memory module to the heat sink, preferably througha thermal interface material. The heat sink may also be configured toengage with the connector socket when the memory module is mountedtherein to stabilize the memory module relative to the connector socket.The enhanced stabilization may be particularly useful in environmentssubject to vibrations, such as computers used in military applications.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a heat dissipating circuit board assembly for use with a sockethaving a socket body and a socket electrical connector. The circuitboard assembly includes a heat sink having a first wall, a second wallspaced from the first wall, and an end wall extending between the firstand second walls. The first wall, the second wall, and the end wallcollectively define a cavity. The circuit board assembly additionallyincludes a printed circuit board having a circuit board electricalconnector connectable with the socket electrical connector. The printedcircuit board additionally includes a first face and a second faceopposite the first face. The printed circuit board is located within thecavity such that the first wall of the heat sink extends over the firstface and the second wall of the heat sink extends over the second faceto allow heat to be transferred from the printed circuit board to theheat sink. The heat sink is configured to interface with the socket bodywhen the circuit board electrical connector is connected to the socketelectrical connector for stabilizing the printed circuit board relativeto the socket.

The heat sink may include a flared end portion opposite the end wall.The first wall may include a first curved end portion and the secondwall may include a second curved end portion, with the first and secondcurved end portions extending away from each other and collectivelydefining the flared end portion of the heat sink. An adhesive may beconnected to the flared end portion for enhancing engagement between theheat sink and the socket.

The printed circuit board may include a pair of opposed lateral facesand a pair of notches extending from respective ones of the pair ofopposed lateral faces. The heat sink may include a pair of intermediateedges, with each intermediate edge extending along a respective axisthat overlaps a respective one of the pair of notches. Each intermediateedge may be located between a first end axis defined by the end wall anda second end axis defined by a terminal end of the first wall or aterminal end of the second wall.

The assembly may additionally include a clip connected to the heat sinkand configured to apply a first force to the first wall and a secondforce to the second wall, with the second force being applied in adirection opposite to that of the first force. The heat sink may includea pair of ridges extending on opposed sides of the clip. The heat sinkmay additionally include a locking tab interfacing with the clip torestrict removal of the clip from the heat sink.

The assembly may also include an adhesive element disposed between theprinted circuit board and the heat sink. The adhesive element mayinclude adhesive tape and/or adhesive paste.

The heat sink may be formed from aluminum.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a heat sink for usewith a printed circuit board and a socket engageable with the printedcircuit board, with the printed circuit board including a first face anda second face opposite the first face. The heat sink includes a firstwall, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and an end wallextending between the first and second walls. The first wall, the secondwall, and the end wall collectively define a cavity configured toreceive the printed circuit board such that the first wall of the heatsink extends over the first face and the second wall of the heat sinkextends over the second face when the printed circuit board is receivedwithin the cavity to allow heat to be transferred from the printedcircuit board to the heat sink. The heat sink is configured to interfacewith the socket body when the printed circuit board is connected to thesocket for stabilizing the printed circuit board relative to the socket.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a heat dissipating circuit boardassembly including a heat sink on a memory module, the circuit boardassembly being aligned with a connector socket for connection therewith;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the circuit board assembly and connectorsocket depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded upper perspective view of the circuit boardassembly;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the circuit board assembly mounted to theconnector socket;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional end view of the circuit board assembly takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional end view of the circuit board assembly takenalong line 6-6 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view depicting engagement of a connectortab to the circuit board assembly.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and thedetailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a heatsink for a memory module that is mountable in a connector socket on amotherboard, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may bedeveloped or utilized. The description sets forth the various structuresand/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but itis to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structureand/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that arealso intended to be encompassed within the scope of the presentdisclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational termssuch as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguishone entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying anyactual such relationship or order between such entities.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and notfor purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a heat dissipatingmemory module assembly 10 configured to be mountable in a connectorsocket 12. The memory module assembly 10 includes a memory module 14 anda heat sink 16 connected to the memory module 14. The heat sink 16 mayextend over the memory module 14 in proximity to the memory module 14 toallow heat generated by the memory module 14 to flow to the heat sink16. In addition to providing heat dissipating functionality to thememory module 14, the heat sink 16 may also be configured to stabilizethe memory module 14 by preventing three-dimensional movements relativeto the socket 12 along the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis (see FIG.1). In this regard, the heat sink 16 may include a flared end portionthat may be formed like a wing, such that when the memory module 14 isinserted into a channel 18 of the connector socket 12, the flared, wingshaped bottom may contact the connector socket 12 thereby immobilizingthe memory module 14 with respect to the connector socket 12. Anadhesive layer may be included on the contact surfaces of the flared endportion to adhere to the outer surface of the connector socket 12 tofurther assist in holding the memory module 14 in place relative to theconnector socket 12. The dual functionality of the heat sink 16, i.e.,heat dissipation and memory module stabilization, may be particularlydesirable for memory modules 14 used in environments subjected toextreme vibrations, such as computers used in military applications.

FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the memory module assembly 10 detached from theconnector socket 12, while FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the memorymodule assembly 10. The memory module 14 is a printed circuit boardincluding a substrate 20 having a first face 22, a second face 24opposite the first face 22, a longitudinal face 26, and a pair ofopposed lateral faces 28. The substrate 20 may be formed in a generallyquadrangular configuration. The memory module 14 may include notches 30formed therein, with the notches 30 extending into the substrate 20 fromthe lateral faces 28 thereof. Each notch 30 may include a pair ofopposed edges 32 extending into the substrate 20 from the lateral face28, and an inner edge 34 extending between the pair of opposed edges 32.The purpose of the notches 30 will be described in more detail below.

The memory module 14 may include several electrical components 36mounted to the first and/or second faces 22, 24. The electricalcomponents 36 may include a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chip,processors, databases, or other electrical components known in the art.The memory module 14 may additionally include an electrical connector 38formed along a peripheral edge of the substrate 20 positioned oppositeto the longitudinal face 26. The electrical connector 38 may be inelectrical communication with the electrical components 36 mounted onthe substrate 20. In the exemplary embodiment the electrical connector38 is a 288-pin connector, however, it is understood that the electricalconnector 38 may include a 168-pin connector, a 184-pin connector, a240-pin connector, a 288-pin connector, or other pin connector currentlyknown in the art or later developed in the art.

The heat sink 16 extends over the memory module 14 and is generallycomplementary to the configuration of the memory module 14. According toone embodiment, the heat sink 16 includes a first wall 40, a second wall42 spaced from the first wall 40, and an end wall 44 extending betweenthe first and second walls 40, 42. The heat sink 16 may additionallyinclude a pair of lateral walls 46 extending between the first andsecond walls 40, 42 and positioned adjacent the end wall 44. In oneembodiment, each lateral wall 46 may be formed by a pair of tabsconnected to respective ones of the first and second walls 40, 42 andfolded toward each other, such that the pair of tabs collectively definea given lateral wall 46. Each tab may be integrally formed with one ofthe first and second walls 40, 42, and may be folded relative thereto tobe approximately perpendicular to the corresponding first and secondwall 40, 42. Each lateral wall 46 may include an edge 48 which ispositioned between the end wall 44 and an opposing distal end of theheat sink 16, and thus, the edge 48 may be referred to as anintermediate edge. In one embodiment, at least a portion of theintermediate edge 48 may be generally perpendicular to the lateral wall46, and generally parallel to the end wall 44. The importance of theintermediate edge 48 will be described in more detail below.

The heat sink 16 may include a flared end portion opposite the end wall44. In this regard, the first wall 40 may include a first planar portionextending from the end wall 44, and a first curved end portion 50extending away from the second wall 42. The first curved end portion 50may extend longitudinally in spaced, generally parallel relation to theend wall 44. Similarly, the second wall 42 may include a second planarportion extending from the end wall 44 in generally parallel relation tothe first planar portion, and second curved end portion 52 extendingaway from the first wall 40. The second curved end portion 52 may extendlongitudinally in spaced, generally parallel relation to the end wall 44and the first curved end portion 50. The first and second curved endportions 50, 52 may extend away from each other and may collectivelydefine the flared end portion of the heat sink 16. The flared endportion may be configured to engage with the connector socket 12 toprovide stabilization to the memory module 14, as will be described inmore detail below.

The heat sink 16 may be formed from aluminum or other materials known inthe art exhibiting desirable heat transfer material characteristics.

The heat sink 16 may define a cavity 54 which is sized to receive thememory module 14. In one embodiment, the cavity 54 is collectivelydefined by the first wall 40, the second wall 42, the end wall 44, andthe pair of lateral walls 46. The width of the cavity 54, i.e., thedistance between the inner surfaces of the first and second walls 40,42, may be slightly larger than the width of the memory module 14, e.g.,the maximum distance defined by opposing surfaces generally parallel tothe first and second faces 22, 24. In this regard, the width of thememory module 14 may be defined by opposing electrical components 36,and/or the first and second faces 22, 24.

The memory module 14 may be inserted into the heat sink 16 such that thelongitudinal face 26 is disposed adjacent the end wall 44, and the firstwall 40 extends over the first face 22 and the second wall 42 extendsover the second face 24. The electrical connector 38 on the memorymodule 14 may protrude out of the cavity 54 and may remain exposed toallow for connection with the socket 12. When the memory module 14 iscompletely inserted into the heat sink 16, the intermediate edges 48 ofthe heat sink 16 may overlap with one of the notches 30 formed on thesubstrate 20. In other words, with each intermediate edge 48 may extendalong a respective axis that overlaps a respective one of the pair ofnotches 30. Thus, the resultant clearance defined collectively by afirst edge 38 of the notch 30 and the corresponding intermediate edge 48of the heat sink 16 (i.e., D₁) is smaller than the distance defined bythe pair of opposed edges 32 of the notch 30 (i.e., D₂). The amount ofover-hang of the heat sink 16 relative to the notch 30 may be equal toD₂−D₁. The importance of this reduction in clearance will be describedin more detail below.

An adhesive 56 may be used to secure the heat sink 16 to the memorymodule 14. The adhesive 56 may include a thermal tape or a thermalpaste, which may act as a thermal conductor to facilitate heat transferfrom the memory module 14 to the heat sink 16, while also acting as anelectrical insulator for the electrical components 36 mounted on thesubstrate 20. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive56 extending between the heat sink 16 and the electrical components 36is between 0.75 mm and 1.75 mm, and more preferably 1.25 mm.

The memory module 14 may also be secured to the heat sink 16 through theuse of one or more clips 58 externally attachable to the heat sink 16for applying a compressive force to the heat sink 16. Each clip 58 mayinclude a first side 60 and a second side 62 opposite the first side 60.The first and second sides 60, 62 define a width therebetween, with thewidth being equal to a first distance when the clip 58 is detached fromthe heat sink 16 and is allowed to assume a neutral configuration. Theclip 58 may be resilient so as to allow the width to vary and departfrom the neutral configuration. However, when the clip 58 transitionsfrom the neutral position, the clip 58 is biased to return to theneutral configuration. Thus, the clip 58 is configured such that itdefines a width having a first distance (e.g., at its neutral position)that is slightly smaller than the external width of the heat sink 16. Inthis regard, in order to place the clip 58 on the heat sink 16, with thefirst side 60 extending over the first wall 40 and the second side 62extending over the second wall 42, expansion of the clip width isrequired to extend over the heat sink 16. Therefore, when the clip 58 isplaced on the heat sink 16, the biasing force associated with the clip58 applies a compressive force on the heat sink 16 to secure the heatsink 16 to the memory module 14. In particular, a first force is appliedto the first wall 40 and a second force to the second wall 42, with thesecond force being applied in a direction opposite to that of the firstforce.

The heat sink 16 may include several pairs of ridges 64 for positioningthe clip 58 on the heat sink 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the heatsink 16 includes two pairs of ridges 64 protruding outwardly (e.g., awayfrom the cavity) from the first wall 40, and two pairs of ridges 64protruding outwardly from the second wall 42. Each clip 58 is centeredby a pair of ridges 64 on the first face 22 and a pair of ridges 64 onthe second face 24. The ridges 64 may prevent the clips 58 from slidingover the outer surface of the heat sink 16.

The heat sink 16 may additionally several unidirectional locking tabs 66configured to retain the clips 58 on the heat sink 16. Each locking tab66 may be formed with one of the first and second walls 40, 42 and maybe located between a given pair of ridges 64. Each locking tab 66 mayinclude a proximal end positioned adjacent the end wall 44 and a distalend extending away from the end wall 44. Each locking tab 66 may furtherbe angled relative to the respective first and second wall 40, 42 suchthat the distal end protrudes away from the respective first and secondwall 40, 42. When the clip 58 is placed on the heat sink 16, a portionof the clip 58 may pass over at least one locking tab 66. The width ofthe clip 58 may expand as it passes over the locking tab 66. When theclip 58 is pressed all the way onto the heat sink 16, the portion of theclip 58 previously extending over the locking tab 66 is moved passed thelocking tab 66, which allows the clip 58 to transition from its expandedconfiguration to its neutral configuration due to the inherentresiliency of the clip 58. The angled distal end of the locking tab 66may interface with an edge of the clip 58 to restrict removal of theclip 58 from the heat sink 16.

The memory module 14 is configured to be connectable to the socket 12,which includes a socket body 68 and socket electrical connector 70. Anexemplary socket 12 is a Molex® 288-pin memory DIMM socket. The socketelectrical connector 70 may be complementary to the memory module 14,and thus, the number of pins on the socket electrical connector 70 maycorrespond to the number of pins included on the memory module 14. Thesocket body 68 may be mounted on a motherboard, e.g., a main printedcircuit board included in general purpose computers and/or otherexpandable computing systems. The socket body 68 may be elongate andinclude a central portion 72 including a pair of primary walls definingthe central channel 18 therebetween. Referring to FIG. 1, the centralportion 72 defines a Y-axis, which extends parallel to the centralchannel 18. An X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis and may passthrough both the primary walls of the central portion 72. A Z-axis isperpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The socket electrical connector 70 is connected to the primary walls,located within the central channel 18, and electrically connectable tothe electrical connector 38 on the memory module 14 when the memorymodule 14 is connected to the socket 12. The socket electrical connector70 may be in electrical communication with other electrical components36 on the motherboard.

The socket body 68 may additionally include a pair of lateral supports74 extending from respective ends of the central portion 72, with eachlateral support 74 including a guide slot 76 extending in generallyperpendicular relation to the central channel 18, while also being incommunication with the central channel 18. The guide slot 76 isconfigured to receive the memory module 14 and guide the memory module14 into the channel 18 when connecting the memory module 14 to thesocket 12.

The socket 12 may additionally include a pair of locking members 78 atopposed end portions thereof and configured to be engageable with thesubstrate 20 when the memory module 14 is connected to the socket 12.Each locking member 78 is pivotally connected to one of the lateralsupports 74 and includes a pivot shaft 80 and a head 82 connected to thepivot shaft 80. The head 82 includes a finger grip 84 and a locking body86. The locking body 86 is configured to be received in a respectivenotch 30 formed on the substrate 20 when the memory module 14 isconnected to the socket 12. The locking body 86 includes a pair ofopposed surfaces 88, 89 which are sized to fit within the reducedclearance (i.e., D₁) defined by the overlapping configuration of theheat sink 16 and the notches 30 to create a tight, secure fit.

Each locking member 78 may be pivotable relative to the socket body 68between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. Thelocking member 78 is moved to the unlocked configuration to allow forinsertion of the memory module 14 into the connector socket 12, orremoval of the memory module 14 from the connector socket 12. Thelocking member 78 is moved to the locked position when the memory module14 is completely inserted into the socket body 68 to retain the memorymodule 14 therein. According to one embodiment, each locking member 78may pivot relative to the socket body 68 by a magnitude of less than 90degrees as the locking member 78 transitions between the locked andunlocked positions.

To connect the memory module assembly 10 to the socket 12, the exposedlateral faces 28 of the substrate 20 are aligned with respective guideslots 76 formed on the lateral supports 74. The memory module assembly10 is then pressed toward the socket body 68 along the Z-axis until thememory module assembly 10 assumes an inserted position relative to thesocket 12. In the inserted position, the electrical connector 38 on thememory module 14 is in electrical communication with the electricalconnector 70 on the socket 12. Furthermore, when the memory moduleassembly 10 is in the inserted position, the flared end portion of theheat sink 16 may contact an outer surface of the socket body 68. In thisregard, an adhesive 90 may be optionally connected to, or disposed on,the flared end portion for enhancing engagement between the heat sink 16and the socket 12. The engagement between the flared end portion and theoptional use of the adhesive 90 may mitigate movement of the memorymodule 14 relative to the socket in the X-Y plane.

When the memory module assembly 10 is in the inserted position, thelocking members 78 may be transitioned from their unlocked positionstoward their locked positions. As the locking members 78 assume thelocked position, the locking body 86 is received within the notch 30,with the surface 88 of the locking body 86 being disposed between anintermediate edge 48 on the heat sink 16 and an edge 32 formed on thesubstrate 20. In this regard, the distance between the opposed surfaces88, 89 on the locking body 86 are spaced by substantially the samedistance as the separation between the intermediate edge 48 of the heatsink 16 and the opposing edge on the substrate 20 (e.g., D₁). In thisregard, the slight dimensional difference between the effective size ofthe notch (e.g., D₁) and the size of the locking body 86 allows thelocking member 78 to transition between the unlocked position and thelocked position when the memory module assembly 10 is in the insertedposition, while at the same time interface with the intermediate edge 48on the heat sink 16 and the opposing edge along the notch to minimizemovement of the memory module assembly 10 in a direction perpendicularto the channel 18 (e.g., restricts movement of the memory moduleassembly 10 in the Z-axis). In one embodiment, the surface 88 of thelocking body 86 is in face-to-face contact with the intermediate edge 48of the heat sink 16 when the locking member 78 is in the lockedposition. The face-to-face contact may extend along a length, Li definedby the contacting portions of the edge 48 and surface 88. Thus, thecontact between the surface 88 and the intermediate edge 48 may restrictmovement of the memory module assembly 10 relative to the socket 12along the z-axis.

According to one embodiment, the temperature of the outer surfaces ofthe electrical components 36 should be around 70-85 degrees Celsius fornormal operations. The use of the thermal adhesive between theelectrical components 36 and the heat sink 16 helps to dissipate theheat. Furthermore, the heat sink 16 may be capable of expelling aminimum of 8%-12% of the heat.

Although the foregoing describes the heat sink 16 as being used inconnection with a memory module 14, it is understood that the use of theheat sink 16 may not be limited thereto. In this regard, the heat sink16 may be used with any printed circuit board that may be connected to aconnector socket.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes ofillustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providingwhat is believed to be most useful and readily understood description ofthe principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of thedifferent features of the various embodiments, the description takenwith the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how thesemay be implemented in practice.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat dissipating circuit board assembly for usewith a socket having a socket body and a socket electrical connector,the circuit board assembly comprising: a heat sink having a first wall,a second wall spaced from the first wall, and an end wall extendingbetween the first and second walls, the first wall, the second wall, andthe end wall collectively defining a cavity; and a printed circuit boardhaving a circuit board electrical connector connectable with the socketelectrical connector, a first face, and a second face opposite the firstface, the printed circuit board being located within the cavity suchthat the first wall of the heat sink extends over the first face and thesecond wall of the heat sink extends over the second face to allow heatto be transferred from the printed circuit board to the heat sink, theprinted circuit board further including a pair of opposed lateral facesand a pair of notches extending from respective ones of the pair ofopposed lateral faces, each of the notches defining opposed first andsecond edges; the heat sink being configured to interface with thesocket body when the circuit board electrical connector is connected tothe socket electrical connector for stabilizing the printed circuitboard relative to the socket, the heat sink including a pair ofintermediate edges, each intermediate edge extending along a respectiveaxis that overlaps a respective one of the pair of notches, a resultingclearance defined between the intermediate edge and the first edge ofthe respective notch being smaller than a distance between the first andsecond edges of the respective notch and large enough to receive alocking member of the socket.
 2. The assembly recited in claim 1,wherein the heat sink includes a flared end portion opposite the endwall.
 3. The assembly recited in claim 2, wherein the first wallincludes a first curved end portion and the second wall includes asecond curved end portion, the first and second curved end portionsextending away from each other and collectively defining the flared endportion of the heat sink.
 4. The assembly recited in claim 2, furthercomprising an adhesive connected to the flared end portion for enhancingengagement between the heat sink and the socket.
 5. The assembly recitedin claim 1, wherein each intermediate edge is located between a firstend axis defined by the end wall and a second end axis defined by aterminal end of the first wall or a terminal end of the second wall. 6.The assembly recited in claim 1, further comprising a clip connected tothe heat sink and configured to apply a first force to the first walland a second force to the second wall, the second force being applied ina direction opposite to that of the first force.
 7. The assembly recitedin claim 6, wherein the heat sink includes a pair of ridges extending onopposed sides of the clip.
 8. The assembly recited in claim 7, whereinthe heat sink further includes a locking tab interfacing with the clipto restrict removal of the clip from the heat sink.
 9. The assemblyrecited in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive element disposedbetween the printed circuit board and the heat sink.
 10. The assemblyrecited in claim 9, wherein the adhesive element includes adhesive tape.11. The assembly recited in claim 9, wherein the adhesive elementincludes adhesive paste.
 12. The assembly recited in claim 1, whereinthe heat sink is formed from aluminum.
 13. A heat sink for use with aprinted circuit board and a socket engageable with the printed circuitboard, the printed circuit board including a first face, a second faceopposite the first face, a pair of opposed lateral faces, and a pair ofnotches extending from respective ones of the pair of opposed lateralfaces, each of the notches defining opposed first and second edges, theheat sink comprising: a first wall; a second wall spaced from the firstwall; and an end wall extending between the first and second walls; thefirst wall, the second wall, and the end wall collectively defining acavity configured to receive the printed circuit board such that thefirst wall of the heat sink extends over the first face and the secondwall of the heat sink extends over the second face when the printedcircuit board is received within the cavity to allow heat to betransferred from the printed circuit board to the heat sink; the heatsink being configured to interface with the socket body when the printedcircuit board is connected to the socket for stabilizing the printedcircuit board relative to the socket; the heat sink including a pair ofintermediate edges, each intermediate edge extending along a respectiveaxis that overlaps a respective one of the pair of notches, a resultingclearance defined between the intermediate edge and the first edge ofthe respective notch being smaller than a distance between the first andsecond edges of the respective notch and large enough to receive alocking member of the socket.
 14. The heat sink recited in claim 13,wherein the first wall includes a first curved end portion and thesecond wall includes a second curved end portion, the first and secondcurved end portions extending away from each other.
 15. The heat sinkrecited in claim 14, further comprising an adhesive connected to thefirst curved end portion and the second curved end portion for enhancingengagement between the heat sink and the socket.
 16. The heat sinkrecited in claim 13, further comprising a clip connected to the heatsink and configured to apply a first force to the first wall and asecond force to the second wall, the second force being applied in adirection opposite to that of the first force.
 17. The heat sink recitedin claim 16, wherein the heat sink includes a pair of ridges extendingon opposed sides of the clip.
 18. A circuit board assembly comprising: amemory module including: a heat sink having a first wall, a second wallspaced from the first wall, and an end wall extending between the firstand second walls, the first wall, the second wall, and the end wallcollectively defining a cavity; and a printed circuit board having acircuit board electrical connector, a first face, a second face oppositethe first face, a pair of opposed lateral faces, and a pair of notchesextending from respective ones of the pair of opposed lateral faces,each of the notches defining opposed first and second edges, the printedcircuit board being located within the cavity of the heat sink such thatthe first wall of the heat sink extends over the first face and thesecond wall of the heat sink extends over the second face to allow heatto be transferred from the printed circuit board to the heat sink, theheat sink including a pair of intermediate edges, each intermediate edgeextending along a respective axis that overlaps a respective one of thepair of notches, a resulting clearance defined between the intermediateedge and the first edge of the respective notch being smaller than adistance between the first and second edges of the respective notch; anda socket including: a socket body having a channel sized to receive atleast the circuit board electrical connector of the printed circuitboard; and at least one locking member pivotable relative to the socketbody between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, theat least one locking member being received within the clearance definedby a corresponding one of the pair of intermediate edges of the heatsink and in face-to-face contact with the intermediate edge when thecircuit board electrical connector is received within the channel andthe at least one locking member is in the locked configuration.